The cardioprotective effects of Ganoderma lucidum extract were examined in experiments with global ischemia (45 min) and reperfusion (30 min) of isolated and perfused rat heart. The course of preventive administration of the extract in a dose of 400 mg/kg for 15 days diminished necrotic death of cardiomyocytes and reduced reperfusion contracture. Ganoderma lucidum extract demonstrated antioxidant properties. The authors believe that the cardioprotective properties of Ganoderma lucidum extract are largely determined by its antioxidant properties.